Nramp1 gene affects selective early steps in macrophage-mediated anti-cryptococcal defense.
Med Microbiol Immunol
; 189(4): 209-16, 2001 Sep.
Article
de En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-11599791
ABSTRACT
Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungus responsible for severe and often recurrent meningoencephalitis in immunodepressed patients. Initial evidence suggests that C. neoformans is a facultative intracellular pathogen; however, the strategies by which C. neoformans undergoes survival and eventually proliferation have not been elucidated. We investigated the role of Nrampl gene in macrophage-mediated anti-cryptococcal defense. Using cell lines expressing the functional, mutated or knockout gene, it was established that Nramp1 (1) is not involved in the phagocytic event, (2) influences anti-cryptococcal activity in the early steps but not at later times, and (3) is unrelated to the biomolecular pathways through which C. neoformans impairs macrophage secretory response. Although the functional role of Nramp1 is still far from being elucidated, the present data add insight into its involvement in macrophage-mediated antimicrobial defense, particularly in the initial steps allowing C. neoformans growth inhibition.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Base de données:
MEDLINE
Sujet principal:
Cryptococcose
/
Cryptococcus neoformans
/
Transporteurs de cations
/
Macrophages
Limites:
Animals
Langue:
En
Journal:
Med Microbiol Immunol
Année:
2001
Type de document:
Article
Pays d'affiliation:
Italie